Oakland Raiders: 5 Sleeper first-round targets in 2018 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders have never been afraid to stray from the status quo on draft day. Which 2018 NFL Draft prospects make the cut as potential sleepers for Oakland’s first-round pick?

By now you’ve probably got a decent idea of who the Oakland Raiders could be targeting with their first-round pick during the 2018 NFL Draft. All of the experts seem to have the same couple of guys mocked to the Silver and Black, and fans don’t appear too upset about the possibilities.

Roquan Smith and Tremaine Edmunds and the two most prominent at this point. Today, though, I want to focus on some lesser known names (aka “sleepers”) who could be in consideration for the Raiders.

So what puts the following talents in play for Jon Gruden, Reggie McKenzie and Co.? Well, they can all be considered potential first-round talents by some stretch of the imagination. They also address needs of varying degrees and at least a couple have met with Oakland during the pre-draft process (via WalterFootball).

We also have to keep in mind that the Raiders pick at No. 10 and again at No. 41 — if they love someone who most assume belongs in the 20-35 range, they could pull the trigger at 10 instead of hoping they fall to 41. These so-called “reaches” are a common occurrence, even in the Top 10.

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So without further ado, let’s take a look at five first-round sleepers I believe the Raiders could have on their radar. We’ll have to wait until April 26 to know for sure, but all of these guys should be in McKenzie’s crosshairs to some extent.